"And it's over!" Idonia shouted, as the camera filmed the Rat King's demise. "After that massive strike from Vice, leaving the monster hurt, the combination of Traveler's portal and Stark Crusader's strength and toughness destroyed the beast." The camera switched back to her, leaning back in her chair with her white-blond hair almost but not quite obscuring her Greek-goddess looks. "That's it for this battle, our Epics triumphant once again! Remember to stay tuned for an after-action analysis with Gecko and Jason, and our update of the ENTV Epic Points Table for this year. Tomorrow, ENTV's Annabelle and Jason host an exclusive interview with the Teleporting Trickster, Traveler, tomorrow on our Spotlight interviews, exclusively on ENTV.com!" She did some movement that drew the eye down into her blouse without actually changing position, somehow highlighting the fact that one or more buttons had come undone during the stream. "Until the next Field Day, this is Idonia!"
[hr]

Spectrum's legs folded, and the emotional and physical exhaustion left the armoured hero lying face-up on the street as the ECPD moved in for clean up. A few medics stopped nearby, only to be waved away. Stark Crusader had been the one to finally take the Rat King down, after Traveler'd finally figured the monster out. She was smart like that, and Spectrum was happy to count her a friend. It helped Spectrum to get used to the city, having a friend like Alex. And maybe a boyfriend like Dragon, the thought made a smile appear behind the helmet.

After a minute or two of getting breath back, Spectrum sat up and looked around for Traveler or Dragon Heart. The latter knelt next to Spectrum, asking. "Need some help?"

"You could take me to bed," Spectrum replied without thinking. When what was actually said sank in, Spectrum blushed a bright red and the suit went white brightly enough to make Dragon Heart shade his eyes. "Sorry, not like that."

He laughed, helping Spectrum to her feet. "Don't worry about it,"  he said, and Spectrum felt a rush of relief. "I might do it anyway, but date first. Friday, seven o'clock at Hero's Bistro. Don't forget." He leaned over and kissed near the cheek. Despite the armour, it felt to Spectrum like he'd left a mark there just with that touch. A hand put over the spot, to protect it, Spectrum flared bright blue, and shot six stories up into the air just on sheer joy.